Mosquitoes in Stratford Test Positive for West Nile Virus

The Stratford Health Department announced that the mosquitoes trapped at Beacon Point on July 24, have tested positive for West Nile Virus.

“It’s that time of year again where we start to see positive mosquitoes,” Andrea Boissevain, Director of Health said in a press release. “So, we urge residents to take quick and easy steps to prevent exposure and bites. It takes a village to fight the bite!”

Brian Carey, Stratford’s Environmental Conservation Administrator provided a list of precautions everyone can take, noting that “The best defense is to get rid of standing water in flower pots, bird baths, trash cans and their lids, anything that collects water, effectively removing the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.” Carey added that “the best way to reduce your risk of being exposed is to keep mosquitoes out of your home by ensuring your window and door screens are tight and secure.”

The Stratford Health Department recommends the following precautions to avoid mosquito bites and to decrease mosquito activity around your home:

Put recyclables upside-down in your bin so that it won’t collect water.

Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used, including pool covers.

Clear clogged gutters.Drill holes in bottom of recycling containers.

For commercial buildings with flat roofs, check for standing water to reduce mosquito-breeding sites.

Minimize time spent outdoors around dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

Be sure door and windows screens are tight fighting and in good repair.

Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are most active. Clothing should be light colored and made tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from the skin.

Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure and to protect small babies when outdoors.

Consider using mosquito repellent, as directed, when outdoors.

The symptoms for most people who are infected with West Nile Virus, according to the press release, and become ill will have a mild illness that may include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and vomiting or skin rash. Rarely, people develop a severe form of the illness that can include neck stiffness, disorientation, loss of consciousness, tremors, muscle weakness and paralysis. Older adults are more likely to have severe health consequences if they become infected with West Nile Virus.

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station also has information for the public on mosquito surveillance control and mosquito-borne diseases at http://www.caes.state.ct.us.

For more information on West Nile Virus and mosquito control, visit the Stratford Health Department’s website at www.townofstratford.com/health.